Utilization Potentials of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> in Nigeria: A Preliminary Assessment

Abstract

A survey on the utilization potentials of Moringa oleifera in Nigeria was conducted in 2011. The survey involved 14 states (including the Federal Capital Territory) across the five agroecological zones. The 14 States were Borno, Kano, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Nassarawa, Abuja (F.C.T), Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Oyo, Enugu and Anambra. A semi-structured questionnaire and field visits were adopted in this study while a multistage random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. The survey found more than 25 local names of Moringa oleifera in Nigeria. Widespread utilization of Moringa as food was observed with its use as vegetable in soup, as salad or herbal tea having particularly high scores. There was low awareness of Moringa oleifera as a domestic cleansing agent although about 30% of respondents used it in domestic water clarification. The species has high ethno-medicinal value, addressing close to 20 conditions including typhoid and malaria fever (78.7%), ear infection (71.8%), eye infection (66.9%), lowering of blood sugar (diabetes mellitus) (65.2%) and blood pressure (64.7%). It is evident that this important species is still underutilized in Nigeria and more efforts are required for a fuller exploitation of its rich potentials.

Challenges and opportunities for Moringa growers in southern Ethiopia and Kenya

“…Immature pods and flowers were used as vegetables by some MGHs. These modes of dietary utilization were consistent with previous reports [ 8 , 10 , 13 , 23 , 47 ].…”

“…Phytochemicals in the edible parts and other tissues of these plants are reported to possess therapeutic properties to treat, for example, anaemia [ 49 ], common cold [ 52 ], diabetes [ 33 , 34 , 37 , 53 ], eye and ear infections [ 37 ], hyperlipidaemia [ 54 ], hypertension [ 55 , 56 ], leprosy [ 12 ], malaria [ 57 ], typhoid [ 8 , 23 , 58 ]. They also possess bactericidal and fungicidal properties [ 13 , 59 ].…”

“…Moringa stenopetala leaves are used in a similar way as cabbage and spinach and the tree is nicknamed the ‘cabbage tree’ [ 24 ]. Fresh MO and MS leaves are either boiled or consumed raw as vegetables, and leaf powders are mixed with other staple foods to increase the mineral, amino acid and vitamin density in the diets [ 6 – 8 , 10 , 16 , 18 , 23 – 26 ].…”

“…Few studies have assessed the ethnobotany of MO and MS, and these have focused primarily on their medicinal uses [ 8 , 16 , 17 , 32 – 37 ]. There is a lack of information on the ethnobotany of MO and MS with emphasis on its use as human food source in S. ETH and Kenya (KEN).…”

Profitability of Trade in Moringa oleifera (LAM) Fresh Leaves in Taraba State, Nigeria

“…According to Terver, et al [2] and Moringanews [15], there is dearth of information on trade in Moringa oleifera leaves in Taraba State and particularly its profitability. This situation does not encourage Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to (NGOs) towards making policies and programs that will address the problems of trade in Moringa oleifera (Lam) leaves in Taraba State.…”